Arlene Rutheford

Arlene Grace (Bell) Rutheford, 99, of Newton, passed away March 26, 2017. She and her family were highly anticipating her 100th birthday celebration on July 1 of this year.

Arlene was born in Hickory Grove to Oliver Orrin and Lillie Walkup Bell July 1, 1917. She graduated from Newburg High School. She grew up in the Newburg/Grinnell area and lived there until the late 1940s, when she moved to Newton. On May 19, 1935, she married Delbert Rutheford. They had two children, Linda and Steven. She was a homemaker most of her life. Family was extremely important to her. She was always there for them, lending a helping hand or just spending time with them. She enjoyed baking, sewing, gardening, writing letters, working outside and listening to the music of Daniel O’Donnell.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Delbert; and 10 siblings, LuVerne, Clarence, Addie Bernice, George, Dale, Wilma, Minnie, Elva, Eva and Evelyn.

She is survived by her children, Linda (Marvin) Van Maaren of Newton and Steven (Cary) Rutherford of Newton; grandchildren, Mike (Nancy) Jones of lowa City, Angie (Kelly) Groth of Waterloo, Larry (Heidi) Rutherford of Newton, Serina (Brennan) Hall of Marion, Ohio and Mercedes Rutherford of Atascadero, Calif.; nine great-grandchildren; and a special friend (faithful pen pal), Bob McGriff of Hensley, Ark.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8 at Newton Memorial Gardens with a time of sharing and refreshments to follow.

Memorials can be given in her name to the Fisher House (www.fisherhouse.org) to help families of veterans and can be mailed to: 246 E. 60th St. S., Newton, IA 50208.

She will be greatly missed!